No Saddam link to Iraq al-Qaeda

[Boris]

Actually, I believe States was correct in saying that there were members of Al Qaeda in Iraq prior to the 2003 invasion (the most notable being Abu Musab al Zarqawi). However, they were pretty much stationed in Northern Iraq, where, at the time, Saddam Hussein had little influence thanks to a no-fly zone. However, I believe most analysts agree that Saddam considered Al Qaeda to be competition (and therefore the enemy), not an ally.

[Boris]

Actually, I believe States was correct in saying that there were members of Al Qaeda in Iraq prior to the 2003 invasion (the most notable being Abu Musab al Zarqawi). However, they were pretty much stationed in Northern Iraq, where, at the time, Saddam Hussein had little influence thanks to a no-fly zone. However, I believe most analysts agree that Saddam considered Al Qaeda to be competition (and therefore the enemy), not an ally.

Zarqawi was not just in the North.  He was in Baghdad.  In Uday's own hospital.  Again, what is your explaination for this?

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6189795/

That whole trip is apparently under debate and its authenticy questioned. There is no conclusive evidence to suggest that Saddam Hussein harbored Abu Musab al Zarqawi, at least according to our brilliant CIA.

[Boris]

Ford, that's the point. My explanation is that the facts are inconclusive on that particular manner. Inconclusive means that Zarqawi could have been there  under the protection of Saddam Hussein (although based upon Saddam's ideology, it doesn't make much sense), or he could have not been. There is no evidence to support your analysis, nor is there any evidence to support mine. Until such evidence can be found, substantiated, and analyzed, then you (and I) cannot use this in favor of our opinions. That's all I'm saying.

However, most other evidence suggests that Saddam Hussein did not actually aid Al Qaeda, although they apparently were operating in his nation prior to Operation Iraqi Freedom.